Disposable fluid container

ABSTRACT

A disposable container for an edible fluid defines a top edge and a bottom edge. The container includes a side wall extending between the bottom edge and the top edge. The fluid is stored in a chamber of the container. A layer of flexible film defines a channel extending between the bottom edge and the top edge. The channel is positioned next to the side wall. The layer of flexible film may be fixed to the side wall. The layer of flexible film may be made from a sheet defining the side wall. A disposable container may be provided with an optional mouthpiece. The mouthpiece moves between 3 positions. In the first position, the mouthpiece is closed and has not been opened. When the mouthpiece moves to the second position, the user gains access to the contents of the container. The mouthpiece may be moved to a third position, in which the mouthpiece is closed, but it is apparent that the container has been opened.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to disposable fluid containers includingleak-proof bags made from flexible film, beverage container boxes linedwith leak proof film, containers made with metalized films and othercontainers for edible fluids. Containers for edible fluids includecontainers for drinks, edible pastes, condiments, sauces, toppings andthe like. These disposable containers also include single serving sizeitems which may be consumed as single drink servings. Other disposablecontainers may be sized to provide multiple servings. In some instances,the containers may be resealed by the user for later use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many conventional containers for beverages and other dispensable fluidproducts are made from rigid thermoplastics or from flexible films.Those conventional containers are either substantially rigid, preformedbottles and boxes or bag-like pouches with flexible walls. Conventionalcontainers designed for beverages and other dispensable food items areoften provided with various features to allow a user to drink ordispense the fluid contents from the container. However, thosedispensing features are prone to various inefficiencies and inherentproblems. For example, conventional beverage containers are oftenprovided with small, pre-wrapped drinking tubes or straws in removable,sealed pouches secured to the containers. A user may tear open thesealed pouch, remove the straw and puncture the container with asharpened end of the straw and insert the straw to drink the fluidcontents. However, there are various problems inherent with thesedesigns. For example, the pre-wrapped drinking tubes often becomeseparated from their corresponding containers and the user is leftwithout a straw. The user must either find a replacement straw (whichmay be particularly inconvenient) or the user may be forced to tear openthe container to drink directly from the container.

There are also other disadvantages associated with conventionalcontainer designs which are based on using pre-wrapped, sharpeneddrinking straws. The drinking straws and the wrappings may becomeseparated from the containers, and thereby add to unsightly litter.Small children also risk injury from misusing sharp straws or fromchoking on tear away pieces of the plastic wrappings.

Many other conventional containers are made from rigid materials withpreformed spouts sealed with twist caps. A user is then expected totwist open the cap and drink from the neck of the preformed spout, holdthe cap and then reapply the cap in order to reseal the container andits partially emptied contents. Often the caps are dropped or soiled byhandling when they are separated from the containers. If a straw wasinserted into the container, the user may need to remove the strawbefore reapplying the cap.

When using conventional containers, straws or other drinking tubes areprovided so that the user may drink from the container while maintainingthe container in a generally vertical orientation. However, whiledrinking from the container, the user must be careful to avoidmisalignment of the interior portion of the drinking tube from theliquid contents of the container. If the interior portion of thedrinking tube is moved, or inserted to an insufficient depth, the usermay not be able to extract the remaining fluid contents of thecontainer. In addition, a drinking tube which has been used to piercethe seal of the container may experience some leakage of the fluidbetween the pierced seal and the drinking tube, when the container istipped away from the desired vertical orientation.

Many conventional containers, such as rigid box-type containers, plasticbottles, and the like, are not provided with a drinking tube. Rather, auser is expected to remove a seal and/or cap and to drink from thecontainer by elevating the bottom of the bottle so that fluid will flowthrough the neck of the bottle, and out of a spout, as the user drinksfrom that container. If a user wishes to maintain the container in avertical position, below the user's face, the user must use other means,such as a drinking tube, to withdraw liquid from the container.

There are many other disadvantages associated with conventionalcontainer designs. It is desirable to provide spouts and containerswhich overcome one or more of the foregoing disadvantages, or otherdisadvantages inherent in those earlier designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a disposable container for an edible fluid is provided.The container defines a top edge and a bottom edge. The containerincludes a side wall which extends between the top edge and the bottomedge. The container also includes a chamber for storing the fluid up toa defined level. The defined level is positioned between the top edgeand the bottom edge of the container. The container also includes achannel for fluid communication between the bottom edge and an openingadjacent to top edge. The channel is defined by a layer of a flexiblefilm which extends vertically. The channel is positioned adjacent theside wall.

The exterior of the container may be rigid or flexible. For example,rigid box type containers are typically lined with leak proof flexibleliners. Similarly, the container may be made from a combination offlexible and rigid materials. The channel may be positioned adjacent anyside wall of the container. The channel extends vertically adjacent thatside wall so that the channel will enable fluid communication betweenthe bottom of the container and the location adjacent to the top edge ofthe container. A seal may be provided to close the opening. The seal maybe removable or destructible. In addition, an optional cover may beprovided to protect an area surrounding the opening so that the usercontact surface may be kept clean during shipping and handling.

In another embodiment, the layer of flexible film forming the channelmay be secured to the side wall. Also, the layer of flexible film may bemade from a sheet which itself defines the side wall. The channeldefined by the layer of flexible film may be located either inside oroutside of the chamber. In some embodiments, the opening may be locatedat or near the top edge. In some embodiments, an optional spout isprovided for selective fluid communication with the contents of thecontainer.

In another aspect, the spout may operate between a first position and asecond position. In the first position, the spout is unused and closedagainst fluid communication with the chamber. In the second position,the spout is open for fluid communication with the chamber. In thesecond position, the user may drink or dispense fluid from the interiorof the container. The spout may also be designed to operate between thefirst position, the second position and an optional third position. Inthe third position, the spout is closed against fluid communication withthe chamber. However, when the spout is in the third position, the useris alerted that the container has been opened. In some embodiments, itmay be desirable to prevent the spout from returning to the firstposition.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a spout for use in adisposable container designed for use with edible fluids. The containerdefines a chamber to contain the edible fluid. The spout operates from afirst position in which the spout is unused and closed against fluidcommunication with the chamber. The spout moves from the first positiontoward the second position in which the spout is open for fluidcommunication with the chamber. The spout is also capable of moving to athird position in which the spout is closed against fluid communicationwith the chamber. When the spout is in the third position, the user iswarned that the spout has been opened and moved from the first position.In some embodiments, it will be desirable to prevent the spout fromreturning to the first position after initial use. The spout may bedesigned to destroy a seal which prevents fluid communication betweenthe chamber and the exterior of the container. The seal may be destroyedby the spout when the spout moves from the first position to the secondposition. The spout may contain a movable projection which pierces theseal when the spout is moved from the first position to the secondposition. If desired, the spout may be biased for one way movement fromthe first position to the second position.

In certain embodiments, the spout defines a dispensing tip. In apreferred embodiment, the dispensing tip defines a mouthpiece. Themouthpiece may be used as a drinking tube which allows the user to drinkfluid from within the container.

Where desirable, the container may be adapted so that it is reusable.For example, the container may be resealable. In addition, wheredesirable, the container may be adapted so that it may be refilled withthe same edible fluid or another edible fluid, as desired by the user.

Specific embodiments of the present invention are described withreference to the following drawings which are appended to theapplication. The drawings are briefly described below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view, in perspective, of one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view, in perspective, of the bottom of thecontainer shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a channel of the container shown in FIGS. 1and 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the channel of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the channel shown in FIGS. 3and 4.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view, in perspective, of the bottom ofanother container of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a further embodiment of a channel of thecontainer shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the channel of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the channel shown in FIGS. 7and 8.

FIG. 10 is another embodiment of a container of the present invention,showing the spout in a first, unused position.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 10, shown in a secondposition in which the spout is opened.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the container shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 inwhich the spout is shown in a closed, but used, position.

FIG. 13 is a front view, in perspective, of the embodiment shown in FIG.10.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the containershown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view, in perspective of the container shown in FIG.11.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the containershown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 19 is a side view, in perspective, of the container shown in FIG.12.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the containershown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the mouthpiece of the spout shown in FIGS. 10to 21.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the base component of the spout shown in FIGS.10 to 21.

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the base component shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the mouthpiece shown inFIGS. 22 and 24.

FIG. 27 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the base component shown inFIGS. 23 and 25.

FIGS. 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d are side views in perspective of thedisassembled components of another embodiment of the present invention,in which FIG. 28 a shows a mouthpiece, FIG. 28 b shows a tamper proofring, FIG. 28 c illustrates an inner race, and FIG. 28 d shows a cutter.(The following figures further illustrate features of this embodiment.)

FIG. 29 a shows a top view of the mouthpiece and tamper proof ring in asecond position.

FIG. 29 b illustrates a side view, in perspective, of the inner racewith the cutter positioned within the inner race.

FIG. 30 a shows a bottom view, in perspective, of the mouthpiece andtamper proof ring in a first position.

FIG. 30 b is a top view, in perspective, of the inner race and cutter ina first position.

FIG. 31 a is a top view, in perspective, of the cutter.

FIG. 31 b is a bottom view, in perspective, of the cutter.

FIG. 32 a is a top view, in perspective, of the inner race.

FIG. 32 b is a side view of the inner race.

FIG. 33 a is an enlarged sectional view, of the assembled components ofthe spout, in a first position as further illustrated in FIG. 33 b.

FIG. 33 b is a partial top view of the assembled components of thespout, in a first position.

FIG. 34 a is an enlarged sectional view, of the assembled components ofthe spout, in a second position as further illustrated in FIG. 34 b.

FIG. 34 b is a partial top view of the assembled components of thespout, in a second position.

FIG. 35 a is a top view of the assembled components of the spoutattached to the surface of the container, with the spout being in thefirst position.

FIG. 35 b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout whenthe spout is in the first position.

FIG. 36 a is a side view of the assembled components of the spout,showing the dispensing tip of the spout, when the spout is in the firstposition, and the cutter has pierced the container wall.

FIG. 36 b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout, inthe second position.

FIG. 37 a is a side view of the assembled components of the spout, in athird position,

FIG. 37 b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout, inthe third position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, a first embodiment of adisposable fluid container 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the container1 is a bag-like structure made of relatively thin, flexible film. Inthis embodiment, thin thermoplastic material is used. In someembodiments, the flexible film may be reinforced with one or more layersof laminated film. In other instances, rigid outer walls may enclose aninner liner made from thin flexible film. The container 1 defines achamber 2 for containing a dispensable edible fluid, including by a wayof example, a beverage, edible paste, condiment, sauce, a topping andthe like. The stored fluid defines a top fluid level 4 adjacent top edge3 of the container 1. In this embodiment, a channel 11 is defined by anarrow strip of flexible film 9 extending vertically along side wall 7of the container 1. The channel 11 extends vertically between bottomedge 5 of container 1 and top edge 3. The narrow strip of flexible film9 together with the inside surface of side wall 7 define the channel 11for fluid communication between the fluid entrance 30, near bottom edge5, extending vertically to an outwardly facing opening 13 adjacent edge3 and above fluid level 4. (In certain embodiments, it will not benecessary to have the opening 13 above fluid level 4.) In thisembodiment, the opening 13 may be sealed with a removable cover, forexample, a removable patch to prevent access to the contents of thecontainer. The cover (not shown) may be of sufficient dimension andshape to cover a sufficient surface area surrounding opening 13 toprovide a clean user contact surface after the cover is removed foraccess to opening 13. In this embodiment, the narrow flexible film strip9 defines channel 11 in which the diameter 15 of opening 13 is greaterthan the width 17 of channel 11. Opening 13 is generally round.

It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that a wide varietyof shapes and configurations are possible for the channel 11, entrance30 and opening 13. The examples described in the figures are merelyillustrative of the wide variety of other possible variations which fallwithin the scope of the invention. For example, the channel 11 in thisembodiment is shown as a relatively straight channel of relativelyuniform width 17 extending along its entire length between opening 13and fluid entrance 30. Other embodiments of the invention may utilizechannels of convoluted configuration and orientation. For example, achannel may be convoluted, for example a serpentine shape extending froma point adjacent the bottom edge 5 of container 1 up to an openingadjacent top edge 3. Similarly, the channel may be located at or near anedge of any of the side walls of the container shown in FIG. 1.Preferably, the channel is located on a relatively large front wall 7 tofacilitate easy access by the user to the opening 13.

Disposable container 1 is initially sealed with a cover (not shown)overlying opening 13. (An example of a sample cover 14 is shown in FIG.10.) The user will remove the cover to gain access to opening 13, andultimately, the fluid contents of the container. The user will be ableto express or drink fluid from the contents of the container. Encloseddome 19 prevents entry of any trapped air within the head space of thechamber 2 (between fluid level 4 and upper edge 3) into the channel 11when the container is upright. The generally circular area of side wall7 which overlays opening 13 provides an initial seal against access tothe fluid contents of the container 1. In those instances where aremovable cover is not provided, the overlying portion of side wall 7represents a seal 21 which may be pierced, removed or destroyed in someother manner to gain access to the fluid contents. In those instanceswhere a beverage is contained within container 1, seal 21 is broken, theuser will bring his/her mouth to opening 13, allowing the user to drawfluid from the bottom of the container, through fluid entrance 30,vertically upwardly through channel 11 and out through opening 13.

FIG. 2 shows the narrow strip of flexible film 9 secured against frontwall 7 of the container 1. FIG. 2 is a sectional, interior view of thecontainer in which the bottom wall of the container has been removed foradded visibility.

FIGS. 6 to 9 show a second embodiment of the flexible walled, bag-likecontainer 1′. In this embodiment, the narrow strip of flexible film 9′defines a vertical channel 11′ extending between fluid entrance 30′ andmodified opening 13′ adjacent upper edge 3 of the container 1′. In thisembodiment, the opening 13′ faces outwardly against a correspondingoverlying portion of side wall 7′. Opening 13′ does not have access tothe head space within the enclosed chamber of the container other thanvia fluid communication through fluid entrance 30′. Opening 13′ isclosed against direct communication to the head space by a generallyflat enclosure 19′ made of flexible film or other suitable material. Theuser may gain access to the fluid contents of container 1′ by breaking acorresponding seal 21′ defined by a portion of side wall 7 overlyingoutwardly facing opening 13′. (It will be understood by persons skilledin the art that certain embodiments will be filled and sealed duringmanufacture so that there is no head space or virtually no head spacebetween the fluid level and top edge. If the container is made ofsufficiently flexible material, the container may be designed toprogressively collapse as more fluid is withdrawn, to reduce the volumeof the container. The container may also be designed so that it will notexpand after the user ceases to apply force to the container or thecontents.)

FIGS. 10 to 12 inclusive illustrate a second embodiment of a bag-likefluid container 10. In this embodiment, the container is shown with agenerally trapezoidal profile. The container comprises an assembledspout which includes a mouthpiece 12. The mouthpiece 12 may be movedbetween three positions represented by a first position A, a secondposition B and a third position C. Container 10 defines a bottom edge 20and a top edge 18. In this embodiment, optional mouthpiece 12 isprovided with an overlying protective cover 14 to seal the mouthpieceagainst dirt. In other instances, the protective cover may also act as aseal, and to discourage accidental displacement of mouthpiece 12 fromposition A to position B. Mouthpiece 12 defines a user contact surface16. In the case of drinking containers, user contact surface 16generally corresponds to the portion of the mouthpiece 12 which the usermay take into his/her mouth when drinking from the container.

In FIG. 10, mouthpiece 12 is shown in position A which corresponds to aclosed and unused position. That is, position A indicates to a potentialuser that the container has not been previously opened. Furthermore, themouthpiece is closed to prevent access to the fluid contents of thecontainer. In position B, the mouthpiece is open for fluid communicationwith the contents of the container. Movement from position A to positionB may also correspond to destruction of an interior seal (see forexample FIG. 18) to allow access to the fluid contents. In someinstances, the mouthpiece 12 may be provided with features to preventmouthpiece 12 from returning to position A. Mouthpiece 12 may be furtherdisplaced from position B to position C to re-close the container, toprevent access to the fluid contents. In position C, the position of themouthpiece 12 indicates to the user that the container has beenpreviously opened. This embodiment provides one example of the manydifferent types and configurations of mouthpieces which may be used toachieve similar results.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 illustrate the container 10 as shown in FIG. 10, inwhich the mouthpiece is shown in the first position A. First position Acorresponds to a position in which the mouthpiece is closed and alsoindicating that the mouthpiece has not been previously opened. In thisembodiment, mouthpiece 12 comprises two major components, a dispensingtip 38 which connects with and rotates relative to a base member 28. Inposition A, dispensing tip 38 is spaced apart from base rim 29, forminga gap G. Base 28 is securely affixed to first wall 22 of the container10. Mouthpiece 12 is positioned between bottom edge 20 and top edge 18.More specifically, in this example, mouthpiece 12 is positioned adjacentupper edge 18. Base 28 is securely attached to first wall 22 of thecontainer 10. By way of example, an adhesive may be used to secure baserim 29 to wall 22. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that themouthpiece may be secured to the container in other ways.

When mouthpiece 12 is in position A, dispensing tip 38 is pointedinwardly toward the body of the container. In that position, cutter 40is positioned outwardly from the thin film defining first wall 22. Seal24 remains intact over opening 23 to prevent outward flow throughchannel 26. Fluid within the chamber 2 of the container 10 is in fluidcommunication with the channel 26 via fluid entrance 30. However, whenthe mouthpiece 12 is in position A, opening 13 is sealed and there is nofluid communication between the chamber of the container 10 and theexterior of mouthpiece 12. In this embodiment, base 28 has a hollow core32 which is capable of fluid communication with a first conduit segment34. However, in position A, first conduit segment 34 is not aligned withsecond conduit segment 36. Consequently, fluid communication is notpossible between the base and dispensing tip.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 illustrate mouthpiece 12 when it is open for fluidcommunication in position B. Dispensing tip 38 points outwardly toposition B. In this embodiment, dispensing tip 38 extends above upperedge 18 of the container for convenience. With reference to FIGS. 17 and18, by rotational movement of dispensing tip 38 from position A toposition B, dispensing tip 38 has advanced toward, and into contactwith, base rim 29. During advancement of dispensing tip 38 toward baserim 29, cutter 40 has pierced former seal 24, creating a destroyed seal24′. At the same time, fluid communication has been established with theinterior of the container, namely, chamber 2, partially enclosed dome19, through the opening established through broken seal 24′ and intohollow core 32 of base 28. Bottom face 39 of dispensing tip 38 is incontact with the adjacent surface of base rim 29, thus closing the gap Gwhich formerly existed between the dispensing tip and base. The hollowcore 32 of base 28 is in fluid communication with first conduit segment34. First conduit segment 34 is aligned for fluid communication withsecond conduit segment 36, thereby providing for fluid communicationbetween the contents of the container, the mouthpiece, and the exteriorthereof.

By way of example, an internal threaded arrangement may be providedbetween base 28 and dispensing tip 38. By rotating dispensing tip 38from position A to position B, dispensing tip 38 advances toward base 28and into destructive contact with seal 24. It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other arrangements may be provided toselectively destroy a seal provided between the chamber and the exteriorthereof.

With reference to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, dispensing tip 38 is shown inposition C such that mouthpiece 12 does not provide fluid communicationbetween the contents of the container and the exterior thereof.Specifically, in this position, first conduit segment 34 is no longeraligned with section conduit segment 36. Accordingly, in position C,mouthpiece 12 is sealed against fluid communication between the contentsof the container and the outside thereof.

FIGS. 22 to 27 illustrate the disassembled components of one example ofthe mouthpiece described herein. With regard to base 28, a neck 52extends outwardly from base rim 29. Neck 52 defines a sleeve with ahollow core 32 which communicates with first conduit segment 34. In thisspecific embodiment, the neck 52 is also provided with first stop 56 andsecond stop 58. When assembled for attachment to a container, neck 52 ispartially inserted into receiving slot 42 defined within the base ofdispensing tip 38. During initial assembly, of this particularembodiment, base rim 29 and bottom face 39 of dispensing tip 38 arespaced apart by a defined gap G. When in position A, the dispensing tip38 may be advanced toward position B. As dispensing tip 38 advancestoward position B, bottom face 39 approaches base rim 29, while cutter40 advances into, and ultimately pierces, seal 24 as shown in FIGS. 17and 18. As dispensing tip 38 reaches position B, catch 54 advances pastfirst stop 56 to prevent retreating movement of dispensing tip 38 fromposition B toward position A. In effect dispensing tip 38 is therebylimited to movement in this embodiment between position B and positionC. Upon rotation of dispensing tip 38 from position B to position C,catch 54 engages against second stop 58. When dispensing tip 38 is inposition C, first conduit segment 34 and second conduit segment 36 aremis-aligned and thereby closed against fluid communication.

FIGS. 28 a to 37 b inclusive, illustrate the components of anotherembodiment of a spout of the present invention. The assembled body ofthe spout serves as a valve to control fluid flow from within acorresponding fluid container. More particularly, the components of thespout are shown in an exploded series of drawings. FIGS. 28 a to 28 d.FIG. 28 a shows mouthpiece 60 having a drinking tube 61. FIG. 28 billustrates a tamper proof ring 65. FIG. 28 c shows a race 75 and FIG.28 d shows a cutter 90. In a preferred embodiment, the four illustratedcomponents are molded in pairs as further described below. In thisexample, the mouthpiece 60 (shown in FIG. 28 a) is molded to the tamperproof ring 65 (shown in FIG. 28 b) and the inner race 75 (shown in FIG.28 c) is molded with the cutter 90 (shown in FIG. 28 d). The two molded,paired parts (the first paired part being mouthpiece 60 and tamper proofring 65 and the second paired part being inner race 75 and cutter 90)are press-fit together in a nested configuration.

The mouthpiece 60 comprises a housing 64 which is slide-fit over theinner race 75 shown in FIG. 28 c. In a preferred embodiment, outer edge62 is molded along the base of mouthpiece 60 to the lugs 67 (shown inFIG. 28 b) to detachably secure the tamper proof ring 65 to themouthpiece 60. Groove 70 receives the raised base profile 77 when thetamper proof ring 65 is press-fit to the inner race 75.

Stopper 63 is provided on the outside surface of housing 64 and servesto prevent the user from returning the mouthpiece 60 to its firstposition after the mouthpiece 60 has been moved to the second position.

Inside the tamper proof ring 65 there are three recesses 68, which areasymmetrically shaped, to receive the three corresponding stoppers 78 oninner race 75. The recesses 68 are used to locate, in one position only,the mouthpiece 60 relative to the inner race 75 when the paired partsare press-fit in their assembled position. Once assembled, the stoppers78 are engaged within recesses 68 to prevent the tamperproof ring 65from turning when the mouthpiece 60 is broken away from the tamper proofring and turned to the second position (to open the spout for fluidflow).

When the mouthpiece is turned to the second position (to open the spout)the lugs 67 will break off between the mouthpiece and the tamper proofring, producing an audible noise (for example, a cracking sound) toalert the user that the spout has been opened and that the container hasbeen cut to provide access to its fluid contents. The seal formed by thecontainer wall is broken to permit a user to dispense fluid from withinthe container.

Stoppers 66 on the tamper proof ring 65 interact with the stoppers 63 ofthe mouthpiece 60. When the mouthpiece 60 is turned from its firstposition (in a clockwise direction as shown in this embodiment) towardthe second position, the stopper 63 engages with the stoppers 66,pushing stoppers 66 outwardly away from the housing 64, in a spring-likeaction. Once the mouthpiece 60 has turned sufficiently so that stoppers63 have passed beyond stoppers 66, stoppers 66 spring inwardly, towardthe outer surface of housing 64. The stoppers 63, 66 are shapedappropriately to prevent the user from returning the mouthpiece 60 tothe first position (its original, sealed position). That is, thestoppers 63, 66 are shaped to permit the one pair of stoppers to slideover the other in a clockwise direction when the spout is moved towardthe second position and to prevent the user from returning the spout tothe first position.

In this embodiment, the inner race 75 is a circular plastic piece havinga wall 76, which serves as a valve when the inner race 75 is slide-fitinside of the mouthpiece 60, preventing fluid from flowing between theinside of the container and the mouthpiece. In the second position, whenthe opening 80 defined by the outer wall of the inner race 75 is alignedwith the opening 106 of the mouthpiece 60 (shown in FIG. 30 a), then afluid passageway is created and fluid is allowed to flow from the insideof the container to the outside of the container. The inner surface 85of inner race 75 defines a stopper to prevent the mouthpiece 60 fromtraveling more than 270 degrees. The surface 85 defines a groove 84 inwhich the emboss 105 (shown in FIG. 30 a) travels.

A stopper 82 is provided on the inside surface of the inner race 75. Thesurface 95 of the cutter 90 will abut against the stopper 82 to preventthe cutter 90 from rotating when pressure is exercised on the cutter.The stopper 82 will act as a sliding guide for the cutter 90. The innerrace 75 defines a ring 79 which engages, in a snap-fit manner, along agroove 108 defined on the inner surface of the mouthpiece 60, to preventthe mouthpiece 60 from being removed from the inner race 75 afterassembly. This feature may be used to deter young children from removingthe mouthpiece 60 from the inner race 75. Stopper 78 on the inner race75 engages with the recess 68 of the tamper proof ring 65 to align theparts in proper orientation and to prevent the tamper proof ring fromturning. With reference to FIGS. 28 a, 32 a and 32 b, the raised profile77 of the inner race 75 engages with the groove 70 of the tamper proofring 65 to prevent the tamper proof ring 65 from being removed after theparts are snapped in place. With reference to FIG. 28 d, the cutter 90has a generally circular, tubular body, with two arcuate ramps 92, 92′which serve to create a linear, outward movement of the cutter 90relative to the housing 64 when the stud 103 (shown in FIG. 30 a) of themouthpiece 60 engages against the arcuate ramps 92, 92′ and themouthpiece 60 is rotated. Elongated surface 95 on stopper 93 engageswith the stopper 82 of the inner race 75 to prevent the cutter 90 fromrotating while the mouthpiece 60 is turning. The cutter 90 has a splinedrecess 98 to allow fluid to flow from the interior of the container tothe mouthpiece 60. At one end of ramp 92, stopper 94 serves to rotatethe cutter 90 when stopper 94 is in contact with the surface 104 of theleg 103 of the mouthpiece 60 (shown in FIG. 30 a). After the cutter 90has traveled a predetermined distance, outwardly from the housing 64,along the length of the stopper 82 to the edge 86 of the inner race 75,the cutter 90 is then free to rotate as the leg 103 engages against thestopper 94. The cutter 90 will rotate during the last 90 degrees of therotation of the mouthpiece 60.

With reference to FIGS. 31 a, 31 b, and 33 a, surface 96 represents arelatively small area where the cutter 90 is attached (during themolding process) to the inside of the inner race 75 via a connectivebridge at the base of recess 81. The connective bridge at surface 96 isrelatively small and is designed to break when force is exerted by themouthpiece 60 against the cutter 90 during the outward movement. Theconnective bridge at surface 96 will break away during movement from thefirst position toward the second position, and the cutter 90 will befree to move outwardly.

With reference to FIG. 29 a, the drinking tube 61 is shown in a drinkingposition corresponding to the second position of the spout. The lugs 67are detached to the edge 62 of the mouthpiece 60. The lugs 67 werebroken when the mouthpiece 60 was rotated clockwise from the firstposition to the second position.

In FIG. 29 b the cutter is shown inside the inner race, in theiroriginal molded position. The cutter 90 is shown as it is attached tothe inner race 75 after molding. Arcuate ramp 92 defines a ramp thatworks with the leg 103 provided within the mouthpiece 60. The emboss 105(shown in FIG. 30 a) on the mouthpiece 60 is provided to travel ingroove 84 defined along the top of the inner race 75. The stopper 85 ispart of the inner race 75 and is provided to limit the range of travelof the mouthpiece 60 from its start position to a maximum of 270degrees.

With reference to FIGS. 30 a, 33 a and 34 a, FIG. 30 a shows a bottomview, in perspective, of the mouthpiece 60. The sectional views in FIGS.33 a and 34 a show the interior features of the assembled spout. Insidethe housing 64, main post 107 serves to guide the cutter 90 and providea structure supporting the legs 103 which will be contacting andexerting pressure against the ramp 92 of the inner race 75.

Groove 108, defined along the interior surface of the mouthpiece 60, issnap-fit over the ring 79 of the inner race 75. Opening 106 defines afluid entrance for the fluid to flow into the drinking tube 61. Theinside diameter of the mouthpiece 60 is slide-fit against the outsidesurface of wall 76 of the inner race 75. The interior configuration ofthe mouthpiece 60 prevents the liquid from flowing out from thecontainer unless the mouthpiece 60 is moved into the second position(i.e., the open position) in which the two openings 106 defined by themouthpiece 60 and opening 80 defined by the inner race 75 are properlyaligned to allow such flow.

Emboss 105 is situated within the mouthpiece 60, at the top of theinterior surface of the housing 64. Emboss 105 engages and travelswithin groove 84 of the inner race 75. Emboss 105 also acts as a stopperor travel limiter against the edge of the stopper 85 of the inner race75. Bottom surface 101 of the tamper proof ring 65 is flush with bottomsurface 102 of the mouthpiece 60. In a preferred embodiment, both of thesurfaces 101 and 102 may be welded, glued, or otherwise secured to theexterior surface of the container. For example, suitable materials maybe selected to permit the parts and container to be ultrasonicallywelded or bonded. Similarly, suitable adhesives may be chosen to bondparts made of appropriate materials, which in many instances will beplastics. If adhesives are employed, the adhesives should be ofsufficient strength and exhibit minimal elasticity, so that when forceis exerted against the cutter, there will be no de-lamination of theadhesive and no consequent loss in the cutting/piercing force to beexerted by the cutter against the wall of the container.

FIG. 30 b shows a top view of the inner race 75 in which lug 93 isattached at the bottom of the inner race 75, in recess 81.

FIGS. 31 a and 31 b show top and bottom views of the cutter 90 inperspective. The outer surface of the cutter 90 is flush with the outersurface of a first tooth 97 located at one end of a row of teeth,whereas teeth 91 are recessed away from the outside surface of thecutter 90. Recess 98 is not provided with any teeth. The first tooth 97is configured such that its front surface (leading edge) is rounded. Therow of teeth is configured in this manner so that when the cutter 90pierces linearly through the wall of the container, the row of teethwill initially make an indent in the wall of the container. When thecutter 90 is turned during the last step of its movement from the secondposition (when the spout is open) to the third position (when the spoutis closed), a flap 125 corresponding to a portion of the wall of thecontainer is severed in the area of the recessed teeth 91. However,tooth 97 defines a greater cutting radius relative to the teeth 91. Astooth 97 pierces through the container, tooth 97 will plow and push openthe flap of film, leaving a partially uncut segment attached to the wallof the container, thus forming the flap 125. This partial uncut segmentwill hold the flap 125 and prevent the cutout portion of the wall (i.e.,the flap) from entering the mouthpiece 60 or clogging opening 106 of themouthpiece.

At one end of the ramp 92 there is a surface 94 against which the legs103 of the mouthpiece 60 engage to exert a force against the cutter 90,to rotate the cutter. During the movement of the leg 103 along thesurface of ramp 92, the surface 95 of the cutter 90 is engaged againstsurface 86 of the stopper 82 positioned on the interior surface of theinner race 75 (shown in FIG. 32 a). The cutter 90 is prevented fromrotating until the top of lug 93 has linearly passed under the edge 87.After the top of lug 93 clears edge 87, the cutter is rotated. Interiorsurface 99 of the cutter is provided with multiple linear splines thatallow the fluid to flow in the spaces formed between the interior of thecutter and the centre post 107 of the mouthpiece 60 (shown in FIGS. 30 aand 34 a).

FIG. 33 a is a sectional view of the spout shown in FIG. 33 b, showingthe interior of assembled spout. The lugs 67, after they are broken fromthe mouthpiece, exert a force against the outside of edge 62, which inturn maintains a force to prevent removal of the mouthpiece 60 from theinner race 75.

FIG. 33 b is a top view of the assembled spout. Stopper 66 and 66′ arepositioned adjacent stoppers 63 and 63′ of the mouthpiece 60. Themouthpiece 60 is shown in the first position. The lugs 67 are brokenwhen the mouthpiece is turned clockwise toward the second position, toopen the sealed container. By rotating the stoppers 63 and 63′ 180degrees, the stoppers 63, 63′ will slide over stoppers 66, 66′, pushingthe tamper proof ring 65 outwardly and allowing the stoppers 63, 63′ and66, 66′ to pass. Once the stoppers pass, as shown in FIG. 34 b, themouthpiece has rotated 180 degrees, and the spout is now in the drinkingposition. The acute inner angles of stopper 63, 63′ now face theadjacent stoppers 66′, 66, the acute angles of the stoppers 63, 63′prevent the counterclockwise rotation of the mouthpiece 60 from thesecond position toward the first position.

FIG. 34 a shows a sectional view of the assembled spout of FIG. 34 b inthe open, drinking position (the second position) after the cutter hastraveled linearly toward the container and pierced the wall of thecontainer. Ramp 92 is engaged with leg 103 of the mouthpiece and thecentre post 107 guides the travel of the cutter 90. FIG. 34 a also showsgroove 84 which defines a path for travel of emboss 105 (shown in FIG.30 a).

FIGS. 35 a and 35 b show side and bottom views of the mouthpiece whenthe container is sealed and unopened, and the spout is in the firstposition. The surfaces 88 and 69 of the inner race 75 and the tamperproof ring 65 are secured to the wall 120 of the container. The cutteris positioned within the inner race 75, and in turn, within the housing64 of the mouthpiece 60.

FIGS. 36 a and 36 b show side and bottom views respectively of themouthpiece 60 after the mouthpiece has been rotated 180 degrees in aclockwise direction, from the first position to the second position.Area 98 of the cutter is shown, where there are no teeth, which alsocorresponds to the area 130 where the wall of the container will not becut by the first tooth 97, but merely indented and stretched. Opening106 in drinking tube 61 is in fluid communication with the opening 80 ofthe inner race 75. The cutter 90 has traveled linearly toward thecontainer, piercing the wall 120 of the container leaving a flare 122 inthe wall 120 of the container.

FIGS. 37 a and 37 b show side and bottom views of the mouthpiece rotatedto 270 degrees bringing the mouthpiece to a third position where thespout is closed against fluid flow. In this example of the thirdposition, the cutter 90 has traveled by rotation and has made a cutoutin an arc along the wall (equal to about three-quarters of a circle)leaving the area 130 uncut. The tooth 97 is shown at the extent of itstravel, to one end of the segment 130. In this illustrated example, thearea without teeth 98 is positioned to the right of the assembled spout,whereas in FIG. 36 b this area 98 without teeth, is positioned at thelower edge of the assembled spout. The area 130 corresponds to the uncutzone where the flap 125 remains connected to the wall 120 of thecontainer. The first tooth 97 and a recessed tooth of the cutter 90 areshown when the spout is in the third position.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many other typesand designs of optional spouts may be used. In other instances, it maybe desirable to forego use of the optional spout.

The embodiments described in this application are merely illustrativeand are not intended to be limited to the specific features or elementsas described herein. Further and other modifications and variations willbe apparent to those skilled in the art, thus making it possible topractice other embodiments, all of which are within the scope and spiritof the present invention as set out in the appended claims.

1. A disposable container for an edible fluid, the container defining atop edge and a bottom edge, the container comprising: A side wallextending between the top edge and the bottom edge; A chamber forstoring the fluid up to a defined level between the top edge and thebottom edge; A channel for fluid communication between the bottom edgeand an opening adjacent the top edge; and The channel being defined by alayer of flexible film extending vertically adjacent the side wall. 2.The container claimed in claim 1, wherein the layer of flexible film issecured to the side wall.
 3. The container claimed in claim 1, whereinthe layer of flexible film is made from a sheet defining the side wall.4. The container claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel is locatedwithin the chamber.
 5. The container claimed in claim 1, wherein theopening is located at the top edge.
 6. The container claimed in claim 1,wherein the opening is sealed with a destructible seal.
 7. The containerclaimed in claim 1, comprising a spout for selective fluid communicationwith the chamber.
 8. The container claimed in claim 1, wherein the spoutoperates between: a first position in which the spout is unused andclosed against fluid communication with the chamber; and a secondposition in which the spout is open for fluid communication with thechamber.
 9. The container claimed in claim 8 in which the spout operatesbetween: the first position; the second position; and a third positionin which the spout is closed against fluid communication with thechamber, indicating that the spout has moved from the first position.10. The container claimed in claim 8 in which the spout operates betweenthe third position and the second position, and the spout is preventedfrom returning to the first position.
 11. The container claimed in claim8 in which the seal is destroyed when the spout moves from the firstposition to the second position.
 12. The container claimed in claim 8comprising a movable projection for piercing the seal when the spoutmoves from the first position to the second position.
 13. The containerclaimed in claim 1 comprising a removable protective cover locatedoutwardly of the opening, and the cover being positioned over a usercontact surface surrounding the opening.
 14. The container claimed inclaim 1 wherein the opening is generally round, having a diametergreater than a width defined by the channel.
 15. The container claimedin claim 1 being reusable.
 16. The container claimed in claim 1 beingrefillable.
 17. A spout for use in a disposable container, the containerdefining a chamber to contain an edible fluid, the spout operatingbetween: a first position in which the spout is unused and closedagainst fluid communication with the chamber; a second position in whichthe spout is open for fluid communication with the chamber; and a thirdposition in which the spout is closed against fluid communication withthe chamber, indicating that the spout has been moved from the firstposition.
 18. The spout claimed in claim 17 operating between the thirdposition and the second position, and the spout is inhibited againstreturning to the first position.
 19. The spout claimed in claim 17,wherein the spout moves from the first position to the second positionand destroys a seal preventing fluid communication with the chamber. 20.The spout claimed in claim 19 comprising a movable projection forpiercing the seal when the spout moves from the first position to thesecond position.
 21. The spout claimed in claim 17 biased for one waymovement from the first position to the second position.
 22. The spoutclaimed in claim 17 comprising a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece defining adrinking tube.
 23. The spout claimed in claim 17 comprising: amouthpiece; and a tamper evident element to warn a user that themouthpiece has been moved from the first position.
 24. The spout claimedin claim 17 comprising: a tubular mouthpiece defining a housing; atamper evident element breakably secured to the mouthpiece, the tamperevident element breaking away from the mouthpiece when the spout ismoved away from the first position; a tubular track for rotatablysupporting the mouthpiece; and a seal destroying element to open fluidcommunication with the container, the seal destroying element extendinginto a hollow core defined by the track when the spout is in the firstposition.
 25. The spout claimed in claim 24 wherein the mouthpiece andthe tamper evident element are made in a single workpiece; the tubulartrack and the seal destroying element are made in another singleworkpiece; and the two workpieces are secured together in snap-fitrelation.
 26. The spout claimed in claim 24 wherein the tamper evidentelement and the tubular track are secured to a wall of the container.27. The spout claimed in claim 17 comprising: a cutter operating in atleast two steps: in a first step, the cutter pierces a film defining awall of the container; and in a second step, the cutter stretches afirst portion of the film and cuts a second portion of the film, tocreate an opening for fluid communication with the chamber and a flapcut from the second portion of the film, the flap being connected to thewall along the second portion of the film.
 28. The spout claimed inclaim 27, wherein the cutter comprises a set of teeth, the set of teethcomprising: a first teeth pattern comprising at least one tooth forpiercing the film and stretching the first, portion of the film; and asecond teeth pattern for piercing the film and cutting the secondportion of the film.
 29. The spout claimed in claim 28, wherein thefirst teeth pattern comprising at least one tooth defines a first radiusof rotation defined by the cutter; and the second teeth pattern definesa second radius of rotation defined by the cutter, the second radiusbeing less than the first radius.
 30. The spout claimed in claim 28,wherein the first teeth pattern comprises at least one tooth forpiercing the film and stretching the first portion of the film, the atleast one tooth defining a rounded leading edge for stretching the firstportion of the film.
 31. The spout claimed in claim 17 comprising acutter operating in at least two steps: in the first step, the cutterslides toward a film defining a wall of the container; and in the secondstep, the cutter pierces the film to form an opening for fluidcommunication with the chamber.
 32. The spout claimed in claim 31,wherein the cutter operates in at least three steps: in the third step,the cutter rotates about an axis; stretches a first portion of the film;and cuts a second portion of the film into a flap, the flap beingconnected to the wall adjacent the opening.
 33. The spout claimed inclaim 17 comprising a dispensing tip biased for one way movement fromthe first position to the second position, and the dispensing tiprotating to a third position defined by less than 360 degrees ofrotation from the first position.
 34. The spout claimed in claim 17comprising a dispensing tip, the dispensing tip defining a mouthpiece influid communication with the chamber when the spout is in the secondposition.